Facilitator – Financial Sector Engagement and Dialogues

Result of Service Objectives.

The Consultant will conduct the following activities within the Suriname financial sector and deliver on the expected outputs as summarized below:

i) Organize and promote stakeholder dialogues and/or platforms: The Consultant is expected to organize consultations among actors in the financial sector in Suriname. The dialogues are intended to be participatory and can be conducted either face-to-face, virtually via social media or other platforms. The overall objective is to facilitate stakeholder feedback on themes involving but not necessarily limited to the range of sustainable/green/climate/green bonds or other innovative financing, as well as other themes e.g. green economy, eco-efficiency, systems for social and environmental analysis, assessing climate risks, etc. The Consultant will compile and document the detailed feedback that can be organized by theme or stakeholder category, as appropriate (e.g. association, private/public sector etc.), but which clearly identifies stakeholder limitations, needs and/or priorities.

This engagement should be organized and conducted in collaboration with UN partners and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), and wherever feasible as part of any wider, Joint Programme consultation. The Consultant will also be expected to collaborate closely with the recruited UNEP/UNEP FI sustainable financing consultant, and to ensure that sustainable development/project financing concepts and opportunities are well understood by stakeholders.

ii) Encourage and promote stakeholder alliances, partnerships and networking: The network dialogues are intended to consolidate stakeholder support for relevant policy reforms and/or actions to attract sustainable finance and investment (green, blue, climate etc.) in the country. The Consultant should also research, map, identify &/or connect relevant stakeholders to any supporting international networks or platforms (e.g. Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Network for Greening the Financial System, the Financial Centres for Sustainability, High-Forest-Low-Deforestation countries, Forest4Life partnership, Intact forest/UNFFF, Global Compact/ICMM, Partnership Action for Green Economy, PAGE, etc.) that might be appropriate to and facilitate knowledge improvement among local Suriname stakeholders in sustainable finance.

iii) Support stakeholder participation and representation at the proposed high-level national conference: The dialogues and networking also present opportunities for encouraging support for and participation in the Government of Suriname’s proposed high level conference that will promote and discuss the country’s climate ambition. The proposed High-Level National Conference will also serve as a culminating public event to leverage high- and technical-level decision-making, partnership and/or alliances between public/private sector and civil society stakeholders, development banks, financial and/or institutional investors. The Consultant will promote awareness and participation in the proposed high-level national conference among stakeholders and/or support conference registration and participation with organizers.

The Consultant will work closely with staff of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Suriname, the SDG Joint Programme Project Management Unit, the PUNOs (UNDP, UNEP/UNEP-FI, FAO, UNFPA) and/or their consultants in the delivery of the above objectives and will be provided access to all available and relevant reports and materials, including any early indications of the proposed Roadmap. The Consultant will also comply with all local COVID-19 protection protocols, as advised.

Outputs / Work Assignments.

i) Organize and promote stakeholder dialogues and/or platforms.

Product No. 1: A document containing an overview of the stakeholder participatory approach and engagement methodology and schedule of consultations to be implemented during the consultancy period.

Product No. 2: A report on the key outcomes of the stakeholder dialogues and networking, summarizing linkages made to other regional/international networks, key discussion outcomes, and a list of stated priorities. The report should include an annex comprising lists/contacts of participants, institutions, networks involved in the dialogues.

ii) Encourage and promote stakeholder alliances, partnerships and networking.

Product No. 3: Prepared high-level Conference brief and accompanying participant information note for dissemination to stakeholders with a summary of any achieved stakeholder partnerships or alliances established locally, regionally or internationally.

iii) Support stakeholder participation and representation at the proposed high-level national conference.

Product No. 4: A report on the overall participatory stakeholder engagement experience and for the high-level national conference in Suriname, including key lessons learnt and recommendations.

Work Location Home-based.

Expected duration Four (4) months.

Duties and Responsibilities Purpose.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The UNEP Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (LACO) located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Joint Fund established by the UN Secretariat aims to stimulate integrated and transformative policy shifts and support the creation of SDG financing strategies. In this regard the Joint Programme (JP), “Roadmap for a Sustainable Financial System for Suriname” is supporting the country to reorient the flow of international and local resources toward more inclusive and gender responsive sustainable actions (i.e. banking, public and private sector investments). Additionally, the JP will strengthen the capacities of public authorities and the broader ecosystem that can lead to a pipeline of impact-driven investments for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Suriname.

The JP is led by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and implemented by participating UN agencies (PUNOs), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNEP (joint coordinators), United National Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The PUNOs are accountable for the Programme’s implementation and the achievement of results through a cohesive approach that maximizes synergies and results. Profiting from the multi-country office setup, the PUNOs will leverage know-how, capacities and resources in an efficient manner, considering the broad coverage of the four PUNOs in the wider Caribbean and their networks of initiatives around the Blue Economy or similar areas in the region. The work performed by all four PUNOs is highly recognized by the four national implementing Government partners, as there is long-standing collaboration in areas such as climate change, agriculture and mining etc., with outstanding results that have yielded additional investments or opportunities for countries

Among other PUNOs, UNEP has a responsibility to ensure high quality technical assistance for the accomplishment of the agreed results and to facilitate an enabling environment that promotes synergies and optimization of results throughout JP implementation. Actions are aimed at guaranteeing sustainability and scalability of results and will lead to technical assistance and implementation support through UNEP’s Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) with a set of available financing tools.

UNEP is seeking to recruit a talented and motivated consultant with expertise managing stakeholder engagement, coordination and communication of sustainable development/financing concepts at national level dialogues within the financial sector. The Consultant must also have experience in Suriname and be fluent in Dutch and English to conduct the JP activities and deliver the results as described below.

The Consultant will work from home. The incumbent will be supervised by the UNEP Head of the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office.

Qualifications/special skills Academic: - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) and experience working with stakeholders in sustainable development, environment/sustainability communications, business/project development or other related field.

- A first-level university degree in combination with 2 additional years professional work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: - A minimum of 5 years of demonstrably progressive work experience is required.

- Experience working in &/or with financial sector stakeholders is an asset.

- The candidate should have the ability to communicate sustainable development and financing concepts and an ability to organize and manage stakeholder engagement in an efficient and timely manner.

- Additional experience in the green economy or with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is considered a plus.

- An understanding of the current challenges, realities, needs and opportunities facing sustainable development in Suriname is highly desirable.

- Research/writing skills are desirable.

- Previous work experience in the UN system is an advantage.

Language: - Fluency in Dutch and English are required for this position.

- Skills: The candidate should have proven ability to handle multiple activities simultaneously and in an organized and timely manner. He or she should be able to work independently and have strong problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, the candidate should have a track record of delivering consistently high-quality outputs as well as strong analytical and conceptual skills. Expertise in sustainable development and engaging stakeholders is required. An understanding of the current challenges and opportunities facing Suriname development is highly desirable. Good understanding of the Caribbean sub-region's realities and needs is an asset.

- Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sustainable development, or other related specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

- Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Academic Qualifications: - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) and experience working with stakeholders in sustainable development, environment/sustainability communications, business/project development or other related field.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.